The 5 established notes from the pentatonic scale will be utilized to create 5 independent scale positions. The table below provides examples of the 5 positions of the pentatonic scale in the key of C. Each scale position is named according to its function in the scale. For instance, the 1st position is named accordingly because it begins with 1st note of the scale. Each scale position is connected (from the top and bottom) with a neighboring scale position.

Scale shapes and positions

Audio and visual examples

5th positionThe scale position starts on the 3rd fret of the 6th string

6th positionThe scale position starts on the 5th fret of the 6th string

1st positionThe scale position starts on the 8th fret of the 6th string

2nd positionThe scale position starts on the 10th fret of the 6th string

3rd positionThe scale position starts on the 12th fret of the 6th string